Mandi,

I had to sit back and re-read the string of posts several times before I decided to write this.It amazes me how we all feel that we suffer in the dark alone whan there are so many people suffering the same injustice everday.I will not go in to my story about my alcoholic father because it so mirrors Rosie's life it would be repetitive.Her situation and mine are so similar that it gave me the shivers.I do have some differences though.I am the youngest of 5 children,and not one of us drinks or smokes.We were so traumitized by what he had put us through that the smell of alcohol makes me ill.I can't be in the room with drunks nor do I tolerate them.We also begged my mother to leave my father so we could live like "normal" families.Since your involved with his illness at the same time it has to be difficult but I wouldn't tolerate the drinking in excess.I, like Rosie to this day harbor many ill feelings toward my mother for not getting us away from him soon enough.She waited until I was 16 years old and the last one home and by then the damage was all done.My father is still alive and living somewhere in California by himself,he has never seen my children and I haven't spoken to him in 19 years.I understand he quit drinking 10 years ago but I still can't forget.I wish you all the luck in the world with the massive load that is on your shoulders and I hope you can come to a peaceful conclusion for you all.If you ever need to talk or anything please let me know.My heart aches for you and your family.


Patty